Daily Times: WAH CANTT: The archaeologists have made unique and rare discovery of a huge statue depicting “death scene of Buddha”, which is biggest ever in the archaeological history of Gandhara besides making another remarkable discovery of “image of Buddha with double halos”, never before found in history, during excavations at UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhamala of Taxila valley.
Department of Archaeology and Museums Director General Dr Abdul Samad while talking to APP here on Saturday said that UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhamala Buddhist complex enjoys an extremely important geographical location as it connected Taxila valley with Kashmir.
He added that it is one of the very few sites to have a cruciform Stupa, a Stupa that was usually reserved for Buddha himself. Revealing details about new discoveries made at the site, Dr Samad said that the death scene of Buddha known as “Maha Pari Nirvana” made of Kanjur stone measuring 14 metre in length is the largest ever death scene of Buddha ever discovered in the archaeological history of Gandhara.
He said that remnants of this colossal image including right leg and portion of left leg are covered with drapery, feet and shoulders. The image is placed on a huge platform measuring 15 metres in length in the northwest direction facing towards east. He added that head of the Buddha was also found missing as this area was also disturbed most probably by the illegal treasure hunters.